Literature

• How does Lacey describe Mr. Cephas's house upon her return?

  Mournful; she does not look at her while she speaks, and her eyes are pleading and reproachful.
• How does Lacey describe Mr. Cephas’s house upon her return?

  return? Painted mainly outside, drawing room covered

  with a carpet deep as grass, a tall Christmas tree with many ornaments making it difficult to see the tree itself
• Why does Ms. Velma say that Mr. Cephas did not spend a good Christmas?

  Lacey was not there, he was not able to tell his friends why she wasn’t around which indicates his loss of control; he didn’t know how to tell them he was not in charge of the situation.
• How does Ms.Velma express her somewhat reproachful feelings about Mr. Cephas’ favor for Lacey rather than

  Michael?

  He expresses that Mr. Cephas has given up on Michael seeming like he is ready to give him away; however, he wants Lacey to become a doctor or lawyer (theme: dreams & aspirations). Obviously Ms. Velma feels her son is being neglected for the child that Mr. Cephas sees as a trophy to brag about.
• What does Ms. Velma do that Lacey finds rather strange when she returns?

  Ms. Velma does not check to see if Lacey will accompany her to church
• What is the gift that Michael is excited to show Lacey?

  A storybook from his grandmother that he wants Lacey to

  read to him.
• According to Ms. Velma, who missed her the most when she went home?

  Michael who was always asking when she was going to come back and wanting to go visit her wherever she was.
• What does U. Leroy pack in the box for Lacey to carry back with her?

  A box of vegetables and eggs
• Why does Ma say Mr. Cephas wants Lacey to stay with him to go to school?

  To brag to others that Lacey is his daughter
• What is the speech that the principal speaks about at assembly?

  ‘A refresher rules of La Puerta Government Secondary School
• What are some ways in which Lacey imagines Mr. Cephas dying?

  A car accident, die from sickness (he could get a stroke and drop down dead in his office)
• What does Anjanee say is the reason why she was missing from school?

  She was sick, the baby was sick. The doctor says she has anemia. She had to stay home to help her mother care for the baby.
• In the coming days what does Lacey notice about Anjanee, physically?

  She is a lot more frail, thin, have no appetite, tired.
• Because Anjanee gets no help from her siblings, she does she think her role should be as a woman?

  Cooking, cleaning, washing clothes sweeping the house for the rest of her life like her mother.